Where in the Garden Route

We considered ourselves lucky to have found a place to stay in the Garden Route over the Christmas holidays. We only finalized our Christmas plan in October, which was rather late. So much like this post.

We were in for more good stuff.

Not everyone will have the good fortune of booking accommodation in a private property in the Garden Route and end up making friends with the owner. Airbnb might make it possible for travelers to interact with the owner/s of the place where they stay but I am sure that there is not a significant percentage of travelers who have experienced what we did when we stayed.

I will go back to the personal part of the post later.

Accommodation

The massive property is located just outside the city of George; hubby says it is still George. It is in Kaaimans, only a few kilometers from the city center. The house itself is about a kilometer from the main road. We turned it into our jogging/walking track but only once for me. My father used it more. I was the lazy bum. At least I didn’t have to be carried for a portion of the way back like the little one.

The house where we stayed is separate from the main house (the property owner’s house). There are two separate units but one building (house). We had the one in front. The back unit seemed smaller but I am not sure. Combined, the place will be perfect for an even bigger family/group. The front unit is the better portion of the house, I think. It has an amazing view from the front porch.

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There are 3 rooms in the unit. My parents claimed the “master bedroom” (looks like it) with the queen (I think) bed. Hubby, Jeslyn and I had the room with twin beds which we put together. The young 20-somethings had the room with the bunk beds. The bathroom, with a bath and shower in the bath, is huge. The toilet is separate.

The living room and the kitchen were just right for us. We did spend quite a bit of time in both areas when not out and about. We also cooked a lot; for people on holiday. I didn’t cook at all so I guess “they” cooked. 🙂

Having stayed in many three-bedroom Golf Resorts Club houses/units, this Kaaimans accommodation has its shortcomings. It would be better if it had another toilet and bathroom, at least one full length mirror, bigger mirrors (so not only the tall person can see his face) and cleaning service.

Overall, I wouldn’t mind staying there again. It will not be my first choice but for the friendliness and hospitality of the people, it might be the better place.

It’s location is also an advantage. The Garden Route Mall is a quick drive away. For teh water babies, there are three beaches nearby – Kaaimans River, Victoria Bay and Wilderness. I went to one. I didn’t join the family in Wilderness.

Victoria Bay

Wilderness Beach

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Wilderness / Kaaimans

Does it look like we had fun? We sure did. 🙂

Back to our good fortune

Hubby may share his surname with the property owner but they are not related. After all, van der Merwe is a common Afrikaans (Dutch) surname in South Africa. So, this would not have been the reason for the friendship that developed. Perhaps, it’s the guitar playing, or the singing, or both. And, the kind old man was bored. He ended up socializing with my father and hubby one night. He then invited us to spend Christmas Eve with him and his two grown-up children. Before we left, we also had dinner on Boxing Day with them.

Some videos from Christmas Eve

Please excuse me for saying “you must hit the red one first” three times. Ha-ha!

Hubby is feeling the bar like it’s his. 🙂

Wonderful folks 🙂

Family photo on Christmas Day before heading out to town to hear mass

The children dressed for Church

Boxing Day Dinner with the property owner and his children

A lot more fun was had by all. 🙂

It was definitely a lovely Christmas / Christmas holiday.